If you've been looking for the perfect excuse to plan a weekend getaway to Athens, Georgia, let this be it.
Recently, I spent the weekend exploring one of Georgia's most charming college towns as a guest of Visit Athens, getting a first look at several of the restaurants participating in Athens Restaurant Week, happening July 13 through July 19. After spending three days eating, shopping, and exploring, I completely understand why Athens has become one of my favorite weekend destinations.
Between locally owned coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, unique boutiques, walkable neighborhoods, and a food scene that continues to impress, Athens offers far more than just football weekends.
If you're planning to visit during Restaurant Week or simply looking for a fun Georgia road trip, here's exactly how I'd spend a weekend in Athens.
Day One: Coffee, Mediterranean Cuisine & Downtown Athens
Start Your Weekend at 1000 Faces Coffee
Every great weekend starts with coffee, and 1000 Faces Coffee is the perfect introduction to Athens.
Known for roasting its own ethically sourced coffee, this local favorite is just a short walk from Hotel Indigo. The space feels exactly how you'd imagine an Athens coffee shop should: bright, relaxed, and full of locals catching up over expertly crafted espresso drinks.
Whether you're grabbing a latte before exploring downtown or picking up a pastry for the road, it's an easy first stop.
Lunch at The National
One of the highlights of the weekend was lunch at The National, one of this year's participating restaurants for Athens Restaurant Week.
The National has been an Athens institution for years, serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine built around seasonal ingredients from local farms. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared without being overly complicated, making it the kind of restaurant you'll immediately want to revisit.
If you're visiting during Restaurant Week, this should absolutely be on your list.
Check Into Hotel Indigo Athens
Located right in downtown, Hotel Indigo Athens makes an excellent home base for the weekend.
Its modern design mixes local artwork with music-inspired touches that perfectly fit Athens' creative personality. Better yet, you can walk to many of the city's best restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, boutiques, and attractions without ever moving your car.
Explore Downtown Athens
One of my favorite things about Athens is simply wandering.
Downtown is incredibly walkable, with colorful murals, historic buildings, live music venues, and independent businesses around nearly every corner. It's the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon popping into stores and discovering something new.
Shop Local in Downtown Athens
Some of my favorite boutiques included:
- Fab'rik, filled with trendy women's fashion and everyday wardrobe staples.
- Cheeky Peach, a colorful boutique featuring fun gifts, home décor, and unique accessories.
- Heery's, one of Athens' longest-standing department stores with everything from clothing to gifts.
- Bear Hug Honey Company, where you'll find locally produced honey, candles, skincare, and Georgia-made products.
- Freedom Boutique, offering stylish clothing and accessories with a carefully curated selection.
Shopping local is one of the best ways to experience Athens' personality, and every store feels distinctly different from the next.
Day Two: Coffee, Burgers & Exploring Five Points
Morning Coffee at Sunroof Coffee Company
The next morning started with another local coffee shop.
Sunroof Coffee Company sits right in the heart of downtown and has become a favorite among both locals and visitors. Their welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal place to slow down before another full day of exploring.
Wander Through Five Points
After coffee, head over to the historic Five Points neighborhood.
This quieter area of Athens is filled with charming homes, boutique shopping, cafés, and some of the city's most unique small businesses.
One stop you absolutely shouldn't miss is Ghost Apothecary.
From candles and fragrances to books, gifts, wellness products, and beautifully curated home décor, every corner of the store feels intentionally designed. It's the kind of boutique where you walk in looking for one thing and leave with five.
Just down the street, make sure to stop by Condor Chocolates.
Known for its bean-to-bar Ecuadorian chocolate, Condor combines a café with an artisan chocolate shop, making it one of the sweetest stops in Athens. Whether you're ordering a handcrafted chocolate drink or taking home a few bars as souvenirs, it's worth the visit.
Lunch at Baddies Burgers
If you're craving a great burger, head to Baddies Burgers.
Their smash burgers are cooked with crispy edges, paired with perfectly seasoned fries, and served in a laid-back atmosphere that feels effortlessly cool.
Simple done really, really well.
Day Three: Southern Brunch & Normaltown
Brunch at South Kitchen + Bar
No weekend in Athens is complete without brunch.
Located inside the historic Georgian Hotel, South Kitchen + Bar blends elevated Southern cooking with beautiful presentation and warm hospitality.
Whether you're ordering shrimp and grits, skillet potatoes, or one of their signature brunch cocktails, this is a restaurant that lives up to its reputation.
It's another Restaurant Week participant that's worth adding to your itinerary.
Explore Normaltown
Before heading home, spend some time exploring Normaltown, one of Athens' trendiest neighborhoods.
This area has a slower pace than downtown but still offers plenty to discover, from wine bars and cafés to specialty shops.
One lunch stop that stood out was Maepole.
Founded by local chef Peter Dale, Maepole serves fresh bowls inspired by Southern ingredients with global influences. Think roasted vegetables, perfectly cooked proteins, flavorful grains, and homemade sauces that make healthy eating anything but boring.
It's the perfect lighter meal before making the drive home.
Why You Should Visit During Athens Restaurant Week
While Athens is worth visiting any time of year, Athens Restaurant Week (July 13-19) is one of the best opportunities to experience the city's incredible culinary scene.
Restaurants throughout Athens will feature exclusive menus, specialty dishes, and limited-time offerings that showcase everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine.
Getting a preview of several participating restaurants made me even more excited for what's ahead. Whether you're planning a date night, girls' trip, or weekend getaway, Restaurant Week offers the perfect excuse to try somewhere new while supporting local restaurants.
If you're planning your visit, I recommend making reservations early for the most popular spots.
Athens has always been known for football and live music, but after this weekend, I think its food scene deserves just as much attention.
From sipping locally roasted coffee at 1000 Faces Coffee and Sunroof Coffee Company, to enjoying unforgettable meals at The National, Baddies Burgers, South Kitchen + Bar, and Maepole, every stop showcased the creativity and hospitality that make Athens such a special destination.
Add in shopping at local boutiques like Fab'rik, Cheeky Peach, Heery's, Freedom Boutique, and Bear Hug Honey Company, plus hidden gems like Ghost Apothecary and Condor Chocolates, and you have the perfect recipe for a weekend filled with great food and local discoveries.
If you're looking for a fun Georgia road trip this summer, make plans to visit Athens Restaurant Week from July 13 through July 19. Come hungry, leave with a few shopping bags, and don't be surprised if you're already planning your next trip before you get home.
My Athens Weekend Itinerary
Friday
- ☕ 1000 Faces Coffee
- 🥙 Lunch at The National
- 🏨 Check into Hotel Indigo Athens
- 🛍️ Shop downtown: Fab'rik, Cheeky Peach, Heery's, Bear Hug Honey Company & Freedom Boutique
Saturday
- ☕ Sunroof Coffee Company
- 🍫 Condor Chocolates
- 🕯️ Ghost Apothecary
- 🍔 Lunch at Baddies Burgers
- 🚶 Explore Five Points
Sunday
- 🍳 Brunch at South Kitchen + Bar
- 🌿 Explore Normaltown
- 🥗 Lunch at Maepole
- 🚗 Head home